@Staci124
This is a delicate issue and I may be entirely mistaken in my analysis, so I hope that others will give their opinions.
Airbnb provides a valuable service and is entitled to a reasonable fee paid for by people who receive the services.
On the other hand, hosts are free to list their properties on other platforms, advertise privately, and reserve dates for personal use.
I am inclined to suggest that you book for one month, pay Airbnb a reasonable fee, then if you decide you want to stay longer you can negotiate an extension with the host.
You should contact the host and ask if something like this would be acceptable.
The risk is, of course, that the host might accept other bookings and then would not be able allow an extension. The host could block future dates for you but then the host would be risking income if you change your mind.
Actually $200 per month is not an outrageous fee and you might be paying that much to a real estate agent or property manager if you rented an ordinary apartment.
I just extended a stay for an excellent guest yesterday through Airbnb and I gave him a 50% discount. The additional fees were small and we were both satisfied. That would be another option.
Just one note of caution: Airbnb takes a dim view of people who use their platform and then make a private deal to avoid all fees. If they catch people doing this they will cancel the accounts of everyone involved.