Fastest way to create an MVP?

For those of you who have gone through the MVP building stage, what's the fastest way to create an MVP, is it worth building the MVP before finding a way to validate the idea with users - for example, using waitlists. Also what tools, if any did you use in the process? Is your MVP still standing and did you manage to get customers using this method? How long did it take you to go from idea to working MVP? Is MVP really essential in finding PMF? For someone who is just starting out, spending thousands on building an MVP is a HUGE investment, it's a massive risk that isn't talked about enough. Please share helpful personal experiences.