I understand that older ones can be cheaper- perhaps as little as $500.
If Capys are too expensive, have you considered Nutria? Two feet long (plus a tail almost that long) and you can get them up to 35+ pounds.
I’ve been thinking about trying to domesticate one of the local bobcats.
When I was just a little kid, my dad took me off into the mountains to visit a guy who had a pet bobcat.
I think if the urge becomes unbearable, I’ll just go buy a fancy rat.