A couple folks here were super helpful when I was going through county court on my own (fired my attorney for not getting results). They might see your post.

I kept a date/time log of everything with references to evidence; letters, reports, and photographs. I didn't record phone calls but summarized them in writing. Instructions for filing (simplified) are on the county websites. I was able to keep it in Douglas since the contract had been signed here. I had the sheriff serve so there were no shenanigans but there were shenanigans. I had to hire a PI to pose as a customer and served their sales guy during the sales call!!!

Once defendant had hired counsel I didn't play games. Showed them everything outside of discovery even via email. Was very polite, firm, and told them I'm not going anywhere. Settled in pretrial mediation for every penny I had claimed including the money I wasted on attorney.

You never know what's going to happen once you file. It blew my mind how much time/money I wasted trying to work with the counter-party and gave them every chance then as soon I filed everything was easy.