Landlord Operating Under a DBA for Privacy

[John E Ceisel]

Hello BP!

If you own properties in your own name (or a trust that you are the trustee of) is there a legal conflict managing and/or operating the properties under a DBA?

This first came up when prospective tenants would ask if I own the property during showings.  Due to my young age, the next question would always be "how many properties do you own?" 

I saw establishing a DBA as a way to cut this by saying I simply work for "insert DBA name" and that the property belongs to a legal entity. However, since being a property management company in the state of California requires a broker's license I'm a bit unsure if this is OK.

Also, is not disclosing that I own the property unethical?  I simply don't want applicants invading my privacy and asking about my finances.  Has anyone else had this challenge?