Usually Within 1-3 Days. Sometimes Immediately.
Here's the direct answer about investigation start time: Most investigations begin within 1-3 business days after contract signed and retainer received. Rush investigations can start within 24 hours, and in urgent situations, same-day surveillance is possible if I'm available and subject is in accessible Costa Rica location like Jaco, Tamarindo, or San José.
This isn't weeks of waiting. Professional investigation starts quickly once you've decided to proceed. The timeline from "I want to hire you" to "investigation is underway" is typically measured in days, not weeks.
After 27 years conducting investigations in Costa Rica, I've learned that clients need answers promptly. Investigation delays cost opportunities—surveillance subjects change patterns, evidence disappears, situations evolve. Fast start times matter, and I prioritize getting investigations underway quickly.
Let me explain typical investigation start timelines, what affects how quickly investigation begins, rush investigation options for urgent situations, same-day surveillance possibilities, and realistic expectations for beginning different investigation types in Costa Rica.
Standard Investigation Start Timeline
How quickly investigation begins from initial contact to active work.
Typical Process and Timeline
Day 1: Initial consultation (same day or next day)
- You contact me via phone, WhatsApp, or email
- We schedule consultation (often same day if I'm available)
- 30-60 minute discussion about your situation
- I provide investigation plan and cost quote
Day 1-2: Decision and contract (immediate to 1 day)
- You decide to proceed
- I send written contract via email
- You review and sign electronically (same day typically)
- Contract finalized
Day 2-3: Payment and preparation (1 day)
- You send retainer payment (50% upfront standard)
- Payment processes (bank transfer same day, international wire 1-2 days)
- I prepare investigation plan and resources
- Gather information you provided about subject
Day 3-5: Investigation begins (1-3 days after payment)
- Surveillance starts at planned location in Costa Rica
- Background checks initiated through Registro Nacional, courts, etc.
- Missing person search begins
- Active investigation underway
Total time from contact to investigation start: 1-5 business days typically
Factors That Affect Start Time
What speeds up investigation start:
- Quick decision after consultation
- Immediate payment via bank transfer or wire
- Complete information about subject provided upfront
- Subject in easily accessible Costa Rica location (Jaco, Tamarindo, San José)
- My current availability (no conflicting investigations)
- Clear investigation objectives requiring minimal planning
What slows down investigation start:
- Delayed decision-making after consultation
- International payment processing (can add 1-2 days)
- Incomplete subject information requiring additional research before surveillance
- Subject in remote Costa Rica location requiring travel arrangements
- I'm committed to existing investigation (must finish or reach stopping point)
- Complex investigation requiring extensive preparation
Rush Investigation Options
When you need investigation to start immediately or within 24 hours.
24-Hour Rush Start
Available for urgent situations:
- Subject leaving Costa Rica soon (limited window for surveillance)
- Time-sensitive legal matter requiring immediate evidence
- Urgent safety concerns
- Critical business decision needing quick verification
How 24-hour rush works:
- Consultation same day (phone or video immediately if I'm available)
- Contract sent within hours
- Payment expedited (bank transfer processes same day)
- Investigation preparation prioritized
- Surveillance or investigation begins within 24 hours of payment
Rush fee: Typically $300-500 added to investigation cost for priority scheduling and accelerated preparation
Availability: Depends on my current commitments—if I'm in middle of multi-day surveillance, 24-hour start isn't possible. But I'm honest about availability during consultation.
Same-Day Surveillance
Possible in specific circumstances:
- You contact me early in day (before noon Costa Rica time)
- Subject is in Jaco, Tamarindo, San José, or location I can reach quickly
- You have complete subject information (location, schedule, photos)
- I'm not committed to other investigation today
- Payment can be expedited (bank transfer immediately)
Example scenario: You call me at 9am. Subject is at Jaco resort, you know their schedule for today, you can send payment immediately. If I'm available, I can be conducting surveillance by early afternoon.
Same-day rush fee: $500-800 for immediate mobilization
Why same-day is limited: Professional surveillance requires preparation—confirming subject location, understanding environment, ensuring I have proper equipment for that setting. Same-day surveillance has higher risk of complications but is sometimes necessary and achievable.
Start Times by Investigation Type
Different investigations have different realistic start timelines.
Surveillance Investigations (Fastest)
Typical start time: 1-3 days
- Fastest to mobilize once payment received
- Preparation involves confirming subject location, planning surveillance approach
- Can begin as soon as I verify subject is at expected location in Costa Rica
What's needed to start:
- Subject's current location (home, work, hotel in Jaco, Tamarindo, etc.)
- Physical description and photo
- Vehicle information if applicable
- General schedule or patterns
Rush option: 24-hour or same-day start possible if urgent
Background Check Investigations
Typical start time: 2-5 days
- Requires identifying which Costa Rica systems to search
- Some record requests need to be submitted in writing
- Investigation "starts" when first records are requested
What's needed to start:
- Subject's full legal name (both last names for Costa Ricans)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Cédula number or passport number (makes searches much easier)
- Known addresses in Costa Rica
Note on "starting": Background check investigation begins when records requests submitted to Registro Nacional, Registro Civil, courts, etc. But results take time—investigation starts quickly, results take 1-4 weeks depending on scope.
Missing Person/Locate Investigations
Typical start time: 1-3 days
- Begins with analyzing information you provide
- Initial database searches can start immediately
- Field investigation (if needed) begins once initial research identifies likely locations
What's needed to start:
- Missing person's full name and identifying information
- Last known location in Costa Rica
- Known contacts or connections here
- Circumstances of disappearance or reason they're in Costa Rica
Girlfriend/Romance Verification
Typical start time: 2-4 days
- Often combines background checks and surveillance
- Background checks start first (records searches)
- Surveillance scheduled once initial background information gathered
What's needed to start:
- Her full name and identifying information
- Where she lives in Costa Rica
- What she's told you about her life (for verification)
- Photos of her
Why Some Delays Are Unavoidable
Honest explanation of factors beyond anyone's control.
Payment Processing Time
International wire transfers:
- Take 1-2 business days to clear
- Investigation cannot begin until payment confirmed
- Not negotiable—this is banking reality
Faster payment options:
- Costa Rica bank transfer: Same day if sent before 2pm
- U.S. bank transfer to U.S. account: Same day typically
- Wire services like Wise: 1-2 days usually
My Availability
One-person operation reality:
- I personally conduct all investigations
- If I'm committed to existing surveillance, can't start new investigation simultaneously
- Typical scenario: Current surveillance ends Friday, new investigation can start Monday
- I'm honest about availability during consultation
Why this matters: You're hiring me specifically, not getting assigned to random investigator. Quality comes from my 27 years Costa Rica experience—but that means scheduling around my availability.
Subject Location and Accessibility
Remote locations add time:
- Subject in Osa Peninsula: I need day to travel there, arrange accommodations
- Subject in Caribbean coast: Same situation
- Subject in San José, Jaco, Tamarindo: Can start immediately upon payment
Travel preparation: Remote investigation sites require logistics—can't just show up and start surveillance without planning.
Incomplete Information
If you don't have basic subject information:
- Investigation must start with identification/location phase
- Adds 2-5 days before primary investigation begins
- Example: You know first name only, approximate age, works somewhere in Jaco—I need to identify and locate them before surveillance starts
Common Questions About Investigation Start Time
Can investigation start before I pay the retainer?
No. Professional investigation requires retainer payment upfront—this is industry standard worldwide. Protects both of us: you know I'm committed to your case, I know you're serious about investigation. Once retainer received, investigation begins within agreed timeline. No exceptions to this policy.
What if my timeline is extremely urgent—subject leaving Costa Rica tomorrow?
Contact me immediately. Explain urgency during consultation. If situation warrants and I'm available, I can mobilize same day with rush fee. However, realistic expectation: if you contact me at 5pm saying subject leaves tomorrow morning, that's too tight. But contact me in morning for afternoon surveillance? Often possible if payment can be expedited and I'm available.
Can you start investigation while I'm still deciding?
No. Investigation begins after signed contract and retainer payment. Can't conduct surveillance, search records, or do investigation work before formal engagement. What I can do: provide detailed consultation so you have information to make decision, answer follow-up questions while you're deciding, hold anticipated start date if you're close to decision. But actual investigation work requires contract and payment first.
What happens if you're not available for several weeks?
I tell you honestly during consultation. If I'm committed to investigation ending in 2 weeks and can't start yours before then, you know upfront. Options: (1) wait for my availability if my specific expertise is essential, (2) I can refer you to another qualified Costa Rica investigator if timing is critical. I never mislead about availability to get business—that wastes everyone's time.
Does weekend vs. weekday affect start time?
Somewhat. Consultations happen any day including weekends. Contract signing can happen weekends. Payment processing: bank transfers sent Friday might not clear until Monday. Surveillance: can start any day including weekends if that's when needed. Background checks: some Costa Rica government offices closed weekends, so records requests wait until Monday. Practical reality: investigations contracted Friday typically start Monday or Tuesday.
The Bottom Line on Investigation Start Time
Most investigations begin within 1-3 business days after contract signed and retainer received. Rush investigations can start within 24 hours for urgent situations, and same-day surveillance is possible in specific circumstances when I'm available and subject is accessible.
Standard timeline from contact to investigation start:
- Consultation: Same day or next day
- Contract and decision: 1 day typically
- Payment processing: Same day to 2 days
- Investigation preparation: 1 day
- Total: 1-5 business days to investigation start
Rush options available:
- 24-hour start: $300-500 rush fee
- Same-day surveillance: $500-800 rush fee (when possible)
What affects timeline:
- Payment processing speed
- My current availability
- Subject location accessibility in Costa Rica
- Completeness of subject information provided
After 27 years conducting investigations in Costa Rica, I prioritize fast investigation starts when clients need answers promptly. The timeline from "I want to hire you" to "investigation is underway" is measured in days, not weeks—and in urgent situations, measured in hours.
Contact to Discuss Investigation Timeline
Contact me to discuss investigation needs and timeline requirements. I'll provide honest assessment of how quickly investigation can begin in your specific situation.
WhatsApp (Fastest Response): 407-955-6150
Phone: 321-218-9209
Email: codygear@gmail.com