Does generating a Lightning invoice automatically reserve enough incoming liquidity to receive it?

The answer

No. An invoice requests a payment, but successful receipt depends on inbound channel capacity and viable routes at payment time.

What to do next

Check receiving liquidity and channel status, and try a smaller payment or wallet-supported liquidity solution if an otherwise valid invoice fails.

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Can a Lightning wallet have a positive balance but lack inbound capacity?

Yes. Outbound spending capacity and inbound receiving capacity are different sides of channel liquidity.