Greetings,

My wife and I just purchased our first property that we plan to AirBnB.  It's a 2 bedroom near the river in Luray, Va.  We have a few long term rentals, but I'm new to the short-term game.  At this point, we only have the one and won't be adding another for at least a year or so (depending on how this goes).  What, if any, auxiliary software should we have to help run this?  I've looked through the websites for YourPorter, SmartBnB, and a few others, but never having managed a short-term, I'm unsure what I need.  The area that this place is located in is all tourist destination, and there are probably 50 or so other similar rentals within a few miles, should I just set my own pricing or is it worth subscribing to one of the pricing tools in a situation like this?  If so, which one?  Thanks for any suggestions.

You don't need any software to get started. You might need Vrbo. I get most of my bookings from Vrbo and very few from Airbnb.

I agree with @John Underwood . No software really needed for one unit. That is what I have and I don't need anything to make it run smooth.

For 4 or less properties, you may consider iGMS since it's completely free until you reach 5 properties.  It's a good system to start with.

I would disagree with others. Even with 1 unit automating helps smooth out the experience for guests, helps you not make mistakes, and preps you for buying more units in the future.

I use pricelabs.co combined with smartbnb.io together they allow automated pricing on both Airbnb and vrbo (its difficult to get a pricing system for vrbo) smartbnb is really good for automatic messaging, team management (like sending cleaning requests to your cleaning crew). 

Unfortunately I also have to subscribe to igms so I have a iCal that syncs between vrbo and Airbnb, so I can give that to my cleaners so there's never any miscommunication about when guests are staying. So in total I probably have $100 a month in subscriptions. But with $30k in revenue/month it doesnt matter. For you the price will be more like $50 a month, and I'd still recommend it. 

Agree with Scott Kunz.  I use Your Porter for PMS, Pricelabs for pricing tool, and abb and vrbo.