Define the Scope Before You Begin

Every investigation starts with a clear objective.

Determine:

• Who or what is being researched
• Which records are relevant
• The timeframe being investigated
• The level of detail required

Establishing the scope early helps focus research efforts and keeps reports organized.

Verify Identity First

One of the most important steps is confirming you're researching the correct individual or business.

Cross-reference identifiers such as:

• Full legal named
• Date of birth (when available)
• Current and previous addresses
• Phone numbers
• Known associates
• Business affiliations

Verifying identity early helps ensure the remaining research is built on accurate information.

Gather Information from Multiple Public Record Sources

High-quality due diligence relies on collecting information from multiple public record categories rather than relying on a single source.

Useful records often include:

• People records
• Business records
• Court records
• Asset records
• Property information
• Professional licenses
• Contact information

Using multiple sources creates a more complete profile and helps identify connections that may not appear within a single database.

Organize Findings into Logical Sections

Well-structured reports are significantly easier for clients and investigators to review.

Common sections include:

• Identity Summary – Provide a concise overview of the subject, including verified identifying information.
• Address History – List known current and historical addresses in chronological or relevance order.
• Business Information – Include corporate affiliations, registrations, ownership interests, and related entities when applicable.
• Court Records – Summarize relevant court records with identifying details that help support the overall investigation.
• Assets and Property – Document available real property, vehicles, or other publicly available asset-related records relevant to the investigation.
• Supporting Documentation – Include copies or references to supporting public records whenever appropriate.

Look for Patterns Across the Data

Strong due diligence involves more than collecting records—it also involves recognizing meaningful relationships.

Examples include:

• Shared addresses
• Connected businesses
• Common phone numbers
• Historical address movement
• Ownership relationships
• Related individuals

Recognizing these connections can help investigators identify additional avenues for research.

Keep Reports Easy to Read

Clients often appreciate reports that present information clearly rather than overwhelming them with raw data.

Consider:

• Using descriptive section headings
• Organizing findings logically
• Including bullet points where appropriate
• Presenting timelines when helpful
• Separating verified facts by category

A clean format makes complex investigations easier to understand.