Can it be done?

Found a guy I like late in recruiting but don't have enough for a HV. I do have enough for 1 scouting trip though.          

totally can be

if you are in a position to promise mins or start, then it can be easy

scouting trip or even some phone calls can be enough - depending on who else is after him (whether or not yet considering) and depending on how his ranking compares to your prestige

Promise start and some phone calls.

promised start + 15min pretty much can sign anyone in my experience. I do this alot for teams that are deep with veterans and can absorb a freshman taking a starting role. Really frees up cash so you can scout more and/or pulldown more players, and cash for battles if necessary.

I have signed many players with just a scholarship offer and a 10-minute promise. Offer him a scholarship and the promise in the same cycle. He may reject the minutes at first but if the scholarship sticks it means he's potentially interested. Keep offering the minutes until he accepts them. After he accepts, assuming no one else goes after him, he should be yours.