Seven years ago, Laz Perez made a bold move: he left his full-time job to become a Miami real estate investor.
Starting with small auction properties, he slowly built a business from the ground up by learning from experience, both good and bad.
Today, Laz closes more than 160 real estate deals per year across Florida. His growth story is a valuable case study for anyone interested in real estate investing or looking to scale a high-volume investment business.
Meet Laz Perez: Miami Real Estate Investor Behind 160+ Annual Deals
Laz Perez is now one of the most active real estate investors in Miami, running a business that completed more than 160 transactions in the past year.
With plans to scale even further, his story offers key insights into what it takes to succeed in a competitive market like South Florida.
His investment strategies include:
In Miami, his wholesale assignment fees average $30,000 to $35,000. Across Florida, the average is around $23,000, highlighting the profitability of being a Florida real estate investor with the right model.
Watch this video where Laz shares how he got started and scaled his business to 160+ deals per year.
Why He Shifted from Flipping to Systems
Before going out on his own Laz worked at a real estate investment firm handling acquisitions. That experience shaped his understanding of deal flow, but his first solo flip pushed him toward marketing and systems.
"I tried to do the fix and flip to realize I'm a marketing guy. I'm a data guy. I'm better suited for generating leads."
A difficult property in Miami Shores became the turning point:
- Awkward 2-bedroom layout
- Strict permitting laws
- Renovation delays requiring architects and engineers
"That deal didn’t make money, but it showed me I needed structure to grow as a real business."
Building a Marketing Machine to Find Motivated Sellers
In 2019, Laz stopped chasing one-off deals and started focusing on scalable lead generation. This is when he began to evolve from a solo operator into a true Miami real estate entrepreneur.
He started with outbound strategies:
- Cold calling
- SMS campaigns
- Targeted lists of absentee owners and high-equity homeowners
Then he pivoted to inbound marketing:
- Pay-per-click (PPC) ads
- Google search optimization
- Seller-focused lead funnels
Why Inbound Works for Real Estate Investing in Florida
- Inbound leads come from motivated sellers already looking for solutions
- Conversion cycles are faster
- The team stays more engaged working with warm leads
"Cold calling works, but it's a grind. Inbound leads are hotter and keep our team excited."
How to Build a High-Performing Investment Team
For Laz, success isn’t just about deals. It’s about building a business that impacts lives.
"The high point is seeing what our team members make. They’re buying homes, getting married, and growing their families."
His approach to team building:
- Hire before you need to
- Source candidates from referrals and job platforms
- Focus on people who elevate the business
"Top talent will take your business places you didn’t think possible."
Staying Agile in the Current Florida Real Estate Market
The market is shifting. Interest rates are higher. Buyers and sellers are more cautious. But Laz stays ahead by being hyper-local and data-driven.
His Playbook for Real Estate Investors in 2025
- Analyze market-by-market conditions
- Track days on market and pricing patterns
- Study renovation trends
- Watch LLC activity in target neighborhoods
- Focus heavily on dispositions and buyer relationships
"Dispositions are at the forefront. If you can’t move deals, you're stuck. You have to know your KPIs."
Why Mindset Still Matters
Scaling to 160+ deals didn’t happen by chance. Laz made it possible by building a team that questions and improves everything.
"The best ideas don’t just come from me or my partner. They come from the people who challenge systems."
His 3 Principles for Growth
- Stay grateful
- Don’t make excuses
- See challenges as opportunities
"The problems I have today are the ones I used to wish for."
Wholesaling vs Flipping in Florida: Which Works Best in 2025?
Many new Florida real estate investors ask whether they should focus on wholesale real estate or fix-and-flip deals. Laz has done both and he leans toward wholesaling for predictable, scalable income.
Why Wholesaling Wins Right Now:
- Low capital needed
- Fast turnaround
- Lower risk
When Flipping Makes Sense:
- High equity spreads
- Strong buyer demand
- Cash reserves available for holding time
For most real estate professionals in 2025, wholesaling is the more sustainable route for growth.
How to Start a Real Estate Investing Business Like Laz Perez
If you're inspired by Laz’s story and want to become a Miami real estate investor, here’s a simplified roadmap to follow.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started:
- Pick your strategy: wholesaling, novation, or flipping
- Learn your local market
- Build a motivated seller marketing funnel
- Track KPIs from day one
- Hire slowly, but strategically
Laz’s journey shows you don’t need a lot of money, just the right systems, consistency, and commitment.
FAQs: Florida Real Estate Investing
How do you find off-market properties in Florida?
Use marketing methods like direct mail, cold calling, PPC, and SMS outreach to connect with absentee or distressed homeowners.
What is a novation agreement in real estate?
It’s a strategy that allows an investor to list a property on the MLS with seller approval and assign it to a retail buyer. It blends wholesaling and retail flipping.
How much can Florida wholesalers earn per deal?
Most earn between $23,000 and $35,000 per deal. In Miami, assignment fees tend to be on the higher end.
Is fix-and-flip still profitable in 2025?
Yes, but the risks are higher. Successful flippers know how to manage rehab budgets, timelines, and local demand.
How do I scale a real estate investing business?
Focus on:
- Consistent lead generation
- Inbound marketing strategies
- Team building
- Dispositions and buyer list development
- Tracking performance with clear KPIs
Final Takeaway: From First Deal to 160+ and Beyond
Laz Perez didn’t grow his real estate business overnight. He started small, learned from mistakes, and built a system that works. Today, he’s one of the most successful real estate investors in Miami.
Whether you’re new or already active in the market, Laz’s journey shows how far focus, marketing, and mindset can take you.
"Success isn’t about avoiding problems. It’s about learning to solve bigger ones."
