If your bankroll isn't that hefty, then you'd want to open a discount brokerage account ie Scottrade, E-trade, Fidelity, or TD Ameritrade are the top 4 imho...
$2,000.00 is required to open a margin account (2x) as per the SEC, and $25,000 to daytrade (4x margin). I would brush up on the trading rules the SEC has in place for low capital accounts. Trading too frequently (pattern Day Trader) without a $25,000 balance, and your account will be froze.
As far as educational resources, aside from the wealth of information online, the book "Trade Your Way To Financial Freedom" By Van K Tharp, Is absolutely the most worthwhile investment I've ever made. Secondly, you need a mentor. A mentor does something to your trading that completely eliminates emotion, they back you up when your decision on a trade is well thought.. And they let you know when a trading idea is rubbish lol. Finding a mentor isn't that hard nowadays, just show up to an investment club meeting (They are all over, Nationwide).
Lastly, Don't get discouraged by the expensive learning curve... Being successful in the market CAN BE the most rewarding (financially, mentally, emotionally) thing a person ever does. It's well worth the heartache most feel in the beginning. Losses are lessons learned.