Life it too short to teach people that won't follow through...or to spend money learning stuff that you won't apply.

Ditto, I use PriceLabs for my STRs - here is a nice writeup ...Airbnb Smart Pricing Vs PriceLabs: An In-Depth Comparison For Hosts | Boost Your Short-Term Rentals

I know January and February are slow months, but looking for suggestions to seek bookings in the short term. 

From what I’ve read in The Economist, short-term construction loans or hard money financing could be a great fit to cover the $90K needed.

To list a few...Anyone who wants to increase their property’s income potential (and equity) and build new housing in a market that struggles with high prices, low supply, and few new construction.House hackers who live in their primary and want to airbnb an ADU love this strategy or vice versaInvestors who want to do both long term and short term benefit from having two separate units.Rental Restrictions on ADUs.Thankfully, Raleigh is very STR friendly and ADU friendly right now.

Luxury rentals, purchases and short term accommodations will be in high demand from Santa Barbara to San Diego and a drastic uptick in inventory for sale can be anticipated in the areas most effected by the fires. 

The Norris Group has a hard money ADU loan, but it's short term (3 years). 

Also, first thing, AirBNB is a platform where you list your Short Term Rental. 

I am guessing that the tenant may be short on funds to pay twice for Jan, until reimbursed by the old owner, so would first make your case to the old owner who has the funds you are owed and certainly hope once reminded of that will refund them. 

The short answer is No, you don't need it.