It seems like you're really impatient. I remember jack noir started a base and had only manual printers, maybe one or two advanced ones, but essentially, he went from being absolutely poor to leading a very competent gang that defeated a prestigious gang at the time. All with very little help from automated printers.
You have to be smart and plan your attacks carefully. Choose the right people and the right time, and eventually you will definitely be able to beat out virtually any gang if you just have the patience.