In that case I think the better choice is to do trade only with bitcoin and fiat, as bitcoin is a more reliable asset for the trade and everyone know that the price of bitcoin always rise and bitcoin is a stronger and permanent crypto currency so it will not go to die.
That's why for people who wants to trade and somehow wants to minimize the risk, they can only choose bitcoin trading instead and forget about altcoin trading is it was more risky.
But in general, both needs patience. A BTC1 as a capital is enough to start trading.
No doubt that altcoin trading is risky but profit margin is too high in it if you choose the right coin and as you said 1 btc is a really good and descent capital to start trading.