How Much Does An Actual Patent Cost? Are there any places to have them filed inexpensively? Copywrite Needed?

I looked up the Patent And Trademark Office. They said.. 150.00 to 2000.00 to actually patent your product. Is there any cheaper? Also is a copywrite necessary? Or.. Liscense? I would like to sell my product to a angel investor or venture capitolist. I also was told that Richard Brandson invests in helping people promote their inventions and products and also the show that is not in my state Shark Tank. ( Does anyone know about these shows>?) I was told to take a picture of it and have it notarized at a bank to protect people and companies from stealing it and trying to go up against me. ( Also)....... If I do the free search through the Patent and Trademark Office.. On line.. IS that sufficient.? I would like it to be. I don't have the cash to spend on a patent clerk searching also/addition to.