When you look at firms, it is important to distinguish between "prop" and "pro." A pro firm requires a capital deposit. True proprietary trader positions do not require a capital deposit. Some places will ask for a deposit, but will hire you anyway if you say you have no money. By all means, try to get "hired" where you don't have to put up money if at all possible. If you put up $0, all you risk is time and effort, and you get the valuable experience of trading OPM. Good luck.