Is it best to get an arbitrator or some other type before filing a civil suit

Arbitration is by agreement, so unless you have an agreement to arbitrate this dispute, or can get one, you can't arbitrate it.  Moreover, you are correct that civil suits are long and expensive but arbitrations, while generally shorter, can be just as expensive.  Also, while the costs of a civil suit are generally more concentrated at the end (there's plenty of expense in earlier stages, but the greatest expense is preparing for and conducting a trial) so that you can get off relatively cheaply if you settle the case early, arbitration expenses are more frontloaded.  There are, depending on the amount at issue, substantial fees involved in starting an arbitration.  You might consider starting a lawsuit and then trying to mediate the dispute through the Court; most courts have mediation programs available.