How to obtain a Business Name?

[Efren Barriga]

Hi all, my name is Efren Barriga. I bought my first house two years ago, not knowing anything about real estate. Fast forward to today, I am glad to say I am a Landlord/Property Manager. Reading the books on managing rental properties helped me by 1000%.  I am learning as I go... 

Is there anyway I can obtain a business name to open a bank account under the business name without paying the $800.00 per year here in California for an LLC? Are there different methods on obtaining a business name with out the annual cost?