Well I started at 1700 at the beginning of february when I discovered this wonderful place. I only choose picks that I like based off of chart's wise words and other intelligent prof's around here. I try to avoid larger cap stocks just because with the amount of capital I have it makes it more difficult for me to make money (APWR). You can't really tell from my sig anymore but I had a rough start and now I am doing ok.
I am focussing on making small gains and building my capital up so that I don't have to take as many risks. Eventually I will be able to diversify my trading account a bit and follow more of chart's picks, but right now I can't because trading fees will kill me if I buy two or three stocks. Just not worth it right now. I think my biggest challenge is staying patient. I always want to find the big runner (who doesn't?) but i'm totally satisfied with taking a profit even if it's less than 5% net.
I am fairly new at trading as active as I do these days but all I will say is stay positive and don't let your emotions conrol how you trade. Also I would only trade with money you are comfortable with losing. The 1700 I used dedicated to WU tuition is not gonna kill me if it's all gone. That ties into your emotions for sure.