I'll be this feels like a lecture from a parent for you, but everyone is right because once you've been burned and seen it happen to others, your first instinct is to want to help others to not suffer the same. In terms of brokers, check oanda as others have mentioned and also take look at mbtrading for the sake of comparison. I think some of the best learning is done through jumping into the fire, so to speak, but keep the advice of these forum 'elders' in mind while you do it, and good luck.