I prefer to avoid ILPs and mutual funds because of limited control and Shariah compliancy issue. I like the ability to handpick my stocks that fit my criteria myself. That's how I started investing.
Also, I invest with a budget of between $100-$150 a month average. Costly, I know, but that's how much my budget allows me. Also to proof myself that you don't need a lot of money to start if you are strategic about it.
I picked my stocks using 70% fundamental and 30% technical indicators.