I run a Unifi USG-1 router/gateway now but before that I got a used AC1000 router from the thrift store for $5 and loaded OpenWRT on that. I eventually got an Aris modem to replace the Comcrap Gateway because it was messing with the DNS traffic, even when piHole was set as DNS for every machine. So if I were you I would go look at the OpenWRT list of units that will accept their firmware. Pay attention to the hardware revision as well as the model number, it matters.
https://openwrt.org/toh/views/toh_fwdownload
Then head over to a local thrift store or two and see if you can find any for cheep.
If you have some electronic skill you can use espHome on a esp32 microcontroller to control an RC Servo motor.
https://esphome.io/components/servo.html
If you want out-of-box there are several electronic locks that will work.
https://community.home-assistant.io/t/smart-locks-compatible-with-home-assistant/590662