$6000 is an insane cost for desk fees, avoid it at all costs as it is hard to make money anyway. You can get 70% or more and $2000 desk fees if you look around, I have a great prop. deal in London (even better) which I will not name as I want to get my friends in the firm first and places are limited. Better deals exist just look around, and a 5year contract plus no compete is crazy, in fact any firm that offers a no compete or any kind of confidentiality agreement should be avoided like the plague as in my opinion it suggests that they have something to hide. Where I work the deal is overly fair and there are no secrets, the contract is non-restrictive and people love the deal because it is so competetive especially with the bro. and %split, they want you to be profitable and that is how and why they succeed whereas many other firms operate mor like brokerages and just want you to generate commissions by over-trading. You can tell if a firm is any good based on how many very good and very experienced traders work there by choice and not force, when you work amongst highly successful guys who have been trading for years and chose to stay because they know they have it good then it gives you great pleasure knowing that you are at the right place. Just hunt around and be picky before settling down as there are so many deals being offered that you don't have to panic to get your foot in the door anymore.