I think it's very wise to go through the club, but you still have some judgement calls to make.
Unfortunately, in this day of people trying to breed for color rather than health, you can end up in just as much trouble buying from a breeder as you can buying elsewhere.
I suppose my advice would be this: don't hesitate to ask questions of any breeder you are interested in. They should be open and helpful in giving knowledge about their rats, how they breed, what their lines are, and if there is any illness in their stock. If they hedge, don't buy from them, as you have no idea what you could be getting into, and chances are they are holding back for negative reasons. A good breeder is very proud of the health of their stock, and will speak openly about the matter.
Look at their rats yourself...do they show any signs of illness? If they seem lethargic, or have any red staining about the ears, nose or eyes, or a head tilt, pass them by and look for someone else.
As for boys or girls, that's completely a matter of personal taste. Girls are more hyper, and eager to keep on the move and play, whereas boys are the ultimate lap rats, becoming more and more lazy with age
I've always kept boys, and they get along splendidly...I feel I should point out that all rats can potentially get in fights, but boys generally have no problems if they are introduced when they are young, and in fact, this goes for girls as well, for a dominant female can be just as territorial as any male.
