Wow $500 is big, I was thinking to invest $5 only, hehe. Since I ain't considering forex as an income source, $5 would be okay for me I guess. However, when I can fluently play this game, maybe I would invest $500 or even more, who knows, depends on the situation and mood. Anyway I ain't gonna invest $500 right in the beginning. its worldwide market so you have no need any specific location from where you can start your business. Simply you can start your business through internet by opening an account under any brokerage firm by investing there your investment amount in any time.