I recommend starting small also. You have a 50% chance the market will move against you and if the stakes are high it is easy to panic and make mistakes when real money is on the line. I started off paper trading and did well, but when I started using real money, I jumped in to fast and made mistakes I didn't do on paper. I relate it to playing basketball. When I'm practicing, I can make most of my shots, but in a real game I miss most of them. Good luck
Trading minimum size, 1 lots or 100 shares is significantly better than paper trading; it keeps you from developing a number of bad habits that need to be broken latter. Don't try to make money, just scratch at first. You will be months ahead ...
The traits you develop thinking you would have been filled, or at an unrealistic price, that make you think you are a genius. Liking starting over when you move to really money; why bother ...
That's why MyTrack dropped their contest awards on their paper money trading practice system. People were trying all kinds of crazy moves and when you have a large sample, it'll produce winners of an inordinate quality. Of course, what you don't see are all the similar wild plays that did what normally happens -- wiped out.
Do paper trades for at least a week. By that time, you;ll be able to access your funds in ur IB account.