My pet rats are kept right next to my snake rack, they can and do walk across the top of their cage to the snake rack. The feeder rats are brought in on cold night to be kept, again, right in front of the snake rack, literally touching. I don't notice a huge difference in feeding response with the rats there or absent from the house. I do make sure to wash my hands, maybe not as diligently as with the balls, but my king snake and my Hog Island, because it is very likely they would mistake you for food if you even in the best conditions.
My rats are absolutely a joy. I have had males and females as pets and in my experience/opinion, females scent mark a lot less. You may still get a love dribble on you, but it's always on my skin and never on anything fabric they are on while enjoying out time. Rats LOVE to be cuddled, kissed, played with, etc. I would not trade my girls for the world.
Good luck on your decision!
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