Not getting the "real" view?

I am trying to access a beelink mini computer running linux mint cinnamon (newest version)

I set this up a month or 2 ago to be able to use the beelink without having to have a monitor attached

because of (it really doesnt matter Im not going bore you) bottom line is this I can load up realvnc and access the virtual desktop it creates, but thats useless to me I need to full mirrored desktop from cinnamon

When I was setting all this up before I moved places everytime I loaded up realvnc I got the actual desktop

and now when I actually need to use it without a monitor attached Im getting the virtual screen not the actual desktop

but here is the real problem... I have tried plugging an hdmi cable in from the beelink directly into a tv and also my laptop and apparently no signal is coming in, neither one is acting like its getting any signal from the beelink... so I cant see anything I need to access to install vino (assuming thats what I need to do) 

Im at a bit of a loss... I need to display the actual desktop so I can actually use the computer... I cant get to it using an hdmi cable, I cant get to it using realvnc and Im not sure how to proceed

any thoughts or assistance would be much appreciated