Samuel J. Zell , Financial Analyst - Acquisitions. Mr. Zell began his career in 2004 as a Project Manager for Ryan Homes, a Virginia-based national homebuilder, where he was responsible for the construction of single-family home developments. Mr. Zell received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University. He is also a member of the Urban Land Institute. resourcerei