I am a newbie and would like to invest $1000 to start. I have read that I should put 40 percent into bitcoin and diversify the other 60 percent. I need opinions, advice, and anything from those with experience of positive value. 
You need to know that the bal is in your court so whatsoever way you want to diversify your cryptocurrency portfolio is left to you. When you want to invest, it is always good for you to make some goof research about where you are putting your money before you make any endeavour to invest whether for a long term holding or a short time holding. Crypto is very versatile so you need to be ready to be patient enough to hold so that you will not going to make unnecessary loses that could make you think cryptocurrency investment is a scam. Since you want to invest in altcoins too, try and do diligent research for a profitable holdings.