New to recording. Desperately need software advice!

Reaper is definitely a great place to start. Learn on that, and make a move to another DAW if and when you are more educated on the matter. Every DAW has a 30 day free trial period in which you can decide if its for you or not. I'd suggest definitely picking up superior drummer and using some free vst's for guitar tone while you learn. the TSE x50 and x40 are great free simulators along with all of the Lepou amp sims.