1) If you want a dwarf, get a chinese. Russians are evil reincarnated into a furry form
2) Whatever they are currently eating already when you get them. Changing the diet can cause wet tail, as sure fire way to kill a hammie. (though chinese dwarfs seem less likely to develop wet tail from the years I've had them)
3) ASPEN. If you use cedar or pine I'll personally come beat you up, lol. They are HORRIBLE for hamsters because of the aromatic oils and can damage their lungs, cause irritation, & death. You can also use carefresh, though its more expensive
4) Run-About-Ball...best money you could ever spend for your hamster; & anything crunchy but non-wood related. They don't naturally chew wood in the wild, & it can splinter. When they ingest a splinter...eh. I've seen too many people's hamsters bleed out from bad chew toy. Go with tasty twigs. Hammies love them, they're colorful, and best of all, no splinters. Also, a free toy they all love...toliet paper rolls. They can chew it up, mangle it, hide in it, make a bed out of it & its always replaceble. ^_^
5) Go with any "my first home" cages or critter trail brand for DWARFS. Critter Trails (normal size) have 8 million ways to escape, and the rest are all cheap.
6) Debatable, but Id have to go with male. They have some "baggage" in the back, but other than that they seem to be a little slower and lazier than females (unless you like hyper & playful, then go female)
Good luck & message me if you have anymore questions. ^_^