Tom Cruz, founder of Cruz Properties, has made a name for himself in the world of real estate by focusing on affordable housing, particularly through the Section 8 program. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Tom has spent over a decade helping low-income families find stable housing while also building a profitable real estate business. “I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a safe place to live, and real estate allows me to make that happen for people who need it most,” Tom explains.
Early Life and Education
Tom’s journey started after graduating from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he studied finance. In 2012, he entered the real estate market, focusing on affordable properties priced under $100,000. His interest in the Section 8 HUD program grew as he realized its potential to help low-income families and provide steady income for landlords. “I saw that Section 8 could be a reliable way to help people while also making a good business investment,” Tom shares.
After a $250,000 investment from a partnership early in his career, Tom’s portfolio grew rapidly. Today, he manages over 700 rental units and earns about $950,000 in passive income each month.
Tom Cruz’s Role with Cruz Properties
Since founding Cruz Properties in 2015, Tom has been focused on expanding his real estate business across the southeastern and midwestern United States. The company manages a portfolio of residential properties valued at $42 million. “Affordable housing is something we’ll always need, so I’m working hard to meet that demand,” he says.
In 2021, Tom launched the Section 8 Secrets program, which has helped over 500 investors get started in the Section 8 market. He also developed the Section 8 Pro software in 2023 to make the property acquisition process easier. “I wanted to create tools that help others succeed in real estate, just like I did,” Tom says.
Tom takes a practical approach to leadership, focusing on teaching others and providing resources that help them succeed. “I believe that sharing what I know is one of the best ways to make a bigger impact,” he explains. His programs and tools, like Section 8 Secrets and Section 8 Pro, are designed to help new real estate investors build their portfolios.
Throughout his career, Tom has gained recognition for his work in affordable housing. He is well-known in the real estate industry for his innovative approach to the Section 8 market. However, Tom stays focused on the bigger picture. “It’s nice to be recognized, but for me, the most important thing is helping people and making sure my business runs well,” he says.
Personal Life & Community
Beyond real estate, Tom is committed to improving affordable housing programs. He regularly works with local housing authorities and other investors to address the challenges of providing low-income housing. “There’s still a lot to be done to improve the availability of affordable housing, and I want to be part of that solution,” Tom says.
When he’s not working, Tom enjoys staying active and traveling. He speaks both Portuguese and Spanish, which helps him connect with more people in the real estate industry. “Being able to communicate with a wider group of people has been a big help in my business,” Tom shares.
Looking toward the future, Tom plans to keep growing his real estate portfolio and helping other investors do the same. “Affordable housing is going to continue to be a big need, and I want to help meet that demand,” he explains. With his focus on innovation and his commitment to making a difference, Tom Cruz is poised to continue his success in the real estate industry for years to come.
Interview with Tom Cruz
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
What keeps me motivated is knowing that I’m helping provide a solution to a real need—affordable housing. When I first started out, I didn’t realize how big the demand was, but after seeing how much people rely on the Section 8 program for stability, it became clear that this was about more than just real estate. I remember working with a family that had been on the Section 8 waitlist for years, and when we finally got them into one of our properties, the relief on their faces was unforgettable. That kind of impact keeps me excited about what I do every day.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
When I need to relax, I like to keep things simple. I’m a big fan of staying active, so I’ll often go for a run or a hike—anything to get outdoors and clear my head. I also enjoy traveling, and I’ll take short trips when I can. My favorite way to unwind, though, is by spending time with my family. Being around the people who matter most to me helps keep me grounded, especially when work gets stressful.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
I’d say persistence is the most important trait. When I first started in real estate, there were times I didn’t think things would work out. For example, before I landed that big $250,000 investment, I was trying to grow my portfolio with very limited resources. It was frustrating, but I kept pushing forward, refining my strategy and looking for the right opportunities. That persistence paid off, and it’s the reason I’ve been able to build a successful business today.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to be adaptable. Real estate is unpredictable, and you have to be able to adjust to market changes, economic conditions, or even just a deal that doesn’t go as planned. I remember a time when the market shifted suddenly, and the properties I had lined up didn’t pan out the way I expected. Instead of panicking, I took a step back, re-evaluated my strategy, and found new opportunities in the Section 8 market. Being flexible has allowed me to thrive, even when things don’t go as expected.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
Negative feedback is part of the business, and I’ve learned not to take it personally. Early on, when I was building my portfolio, I received criticism about my approach to acquiring properties. At first, it was tough to hear, but I realized that some of the feedback had value. I took the parts that were constructive and used them to improve my strategy. For example, one piece of feedback was that I needed to better understand local markets before expanding. I took that advice to heart, did more research, and it helped me make smarter decisions moving forward.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
The hardest obstacle I’ve faced was getting my real estate business off the ground in the early years. When I started, I didn’t have a lot of capital or connections, so I had to get creative with financing and partnerships. The turning point came when I secured that $250,000 joint investment, but getting to that point took a lot of hard work and persistence. I networked tirelessly, learned everything I could about creative financing, and eventually found the right partner who believed in my vision. Overcoming those early challenges taught me that with persistence and resourcefulness, you can find a way forward, even when things seem impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Cruz?
Tom Cruz is a real estate entrepreneur and the founder of Cruz Properties. He specializes in affordable housing, particularly through the Section 8 program, and manages over 700 rental units across the southeastern and midwestern United States. Tom is also the creator of the Section 8 Secrets program and Section 8 Pro software, designed to help new investors succeed in the affordable housing market.
What is the Section 8 Secrets program?
The Section 8 Secrets program is an educational initiative launched by Tom Cruz in 2021 to help new investors navigate the Section 8 real estate market. The program offers practical insights into how to acquire and manage Section 8 properties and has supported over 500 investors, with most participants securing their first property within 60 days.
What is Section 8 Pro software?
Section 8 Pro is a software tool developed by Tom Cruz in 2023. It streamlines the process of evaluating potential real estate investments by analyzing factors such as location, property condition, and expected cash flow. The software is designed to help real estate investors, particularly those new to the Section 8 market, make informed decisions about which properties to acquire.
How did Tom Cruz get started in real estate?
Tom began his real estate career in 2012, focusing on wholesale real estate and affordable properties priced at $100,000 or less. He quickly found success in the Section 8 HUD program, using creative financing strategies and partnerships to expand his portfolio. A major turning point came when he secured a $250,000 investment that enabled him to acquire 15 additional properties, laying the foundation for his success today.
How many properties does Tom Cruz manage?
As of 2024, Tom Cruz manages over 700 rental units, generating about $950,000 in passive income per month.
What is Cruz Properties?
Cruz Properties is Tom Cruz’s investment company, founded in 2015. The company owns and manages $42 million worth of residential real estate, primarily focused on affordable housing for Section 8 tenants across the southeastern and midwestern United States.
