No kidding. They’re feasting on it.The people who join the FB DR expat groups are partly to blame. I can't tell you how many times I've seen somebody post "Looking for an apartment for 2 months. My budget is 2K a month."
You can hear the "realtors" jumping on those folks.
If you go on AiBnb and search long term rentals in Sosua/ Cabarete, the only availability under $1000 per month are “private rooms” in shared accommodations.
A quick glance just now and prices for 1-2 bedrooms seem to be averaging $2000-$4000 per month.
People are fed up with various pandemic related stressors. They’ve left their home country and see a 2 bedroom apartment with a pool for $3500/month, compare it to their condo in Toronto, and think they’ve got a steal of a deal.