Choosing a breed

I'm thinking of getting a couple purebred cats sometime in the near future, for breeding. WHat's the best breed for an amateur? I'm thinking Maine Coon or Bengal, maybe.

I have to say, there is no such breed as a good one for an "amateur". The purpose of breeding a cat is to improve the breed or continue a quality line of cats. Generally speaking, most breeders have a particular breed in mind that they love and are dedicated to. If there's a particular breed you are interested in, the best thing to do is contact a few reputable breeders and find a mentor and someone willing to help you get started.