[MicroBob]

[ QUOTE ]
You need to buy in for at least $200 to have any room to play in that game

[/ QUOTE ]


"Having room to play" implies being able to make post-flop moves.
But for the OP's purposes having never played live before I think it is unwise to recommend that he buy-in for $200 or more.
As he tries to get comfortable at the game he should buy-in for the minimum. You can always add to your stack later as you get more comfortable with the scene. You aren't allowed to take away from your stack though.

New players who are likely to have accidental string-raises and make other noob-mistakes simply should NOT be risking more than they are comfortable with just because the other players have big-stacks too.

Baby steps first.