1. Open a account with thinkorswim for 5k or less. Learn how to use their software. Ask for the Random Walk Trading commission ($1.50 with no ticket charge). 2. Each month do three or four one lot calendar spreads -- equities and index. To learn about calendars, see Dan Sheridan's webinars at www.cboe.com 3. Do this for a year, until you are good at it.
1. Join a prop. firm 2. Watch and learn from top traders in the firm. 3. Trade small size. Don't go through all the vendor stuff. Exchange sponsored training is generally a lot better than retail training material.