Questions about listing and managing my first STR

[Angelo Pompeo]

I'm in the process of purchasing an SFH for the purpose of listing it as an STR. I'm interested in managing it myself after seeing the property management fees for these types of listings. Some questions I've had.

• Do you list your property on all the big STR sites or just choose a few? If multiple, is it relatively easy to sync availability?
• Any recommendations for remote check-in tools? 
• Any good software for automating communications with guests? Canned check-in greetings, check-ups, and check-outs?
• Any recommendations for analyzing current rates? I've just been using airbnb and looking at places near a property I'm analyzing at various times of the year, or considering purchasing airdna data. It's a pretty tedious process. It feels like there has to be a smarter way. 
• Is there a good book on this? When I started flipping, I found The Flipping Blueprint invaluable. I can't find a similar brass-tacks book for short-term renting and management. Mostly just books trying to get me onboard with the idea (spoiler: I'm onboard!).
• Instead of a property management company, some people use marketing companies (for a much smaller fee) and still self-manage. Has anyone found that to be worthwhile? Or is it relatively simple to market once you do it once? 

Thanks in advance. 

-Angelo