Heard about this on the Colbert Report last night. Sounds like a good idea for the backpack traveler. They have sites all over the country. Got a room to spare? I think they take a 13% commission which seems very fair.
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Santiago-De-Los-Caballeros--Dominican-Republic
https://www.airbnb.com/s/Santiago-De-Los-Caballeros--Dominican-Republic