[NorthernLight (Max)]

I appreciate that you might not be on a spending spree, but I had issues setting up in the backyard too and got there eventually. But if you really want to be in business in minutes, do this:

Get a polemaster
Get a keyspan USB to serial adapter
Get a EQDIR adapter
Get Ascom and Astro Tortilla (both free)
Get Stellarium and Stellarium scope plug in (free)
Get backyard Nikon
Set up gear and balance
Wait to darkness
Use polemaster to align mount
Use Astrotortilla via BackyardNikon to platesolve
Use Stellarium to dial in your object of interest
Put hand controller in safe place until you sell mount
Enjoy <5min pole alignment and spot on (deadcenter) pointing accuracy of GOTO

It will set you back some money but the most expensive kit is the polemaster. You will never look back.

Again, it all can be done without the things listed and it’s fun to learn and grow through it. But time is of the essence and frustration is not making this hobby more fun with so few nights to spend on all the expensive gear we acquire.

Just my 2cents

Edit: initially post was missing the EQDIR adapter, which is crucial for the serial port conversion