Perhaps they feel that they can be liable, and therefore maybe offering them a signed identification or hold harmless agreement regarding this situation would solve your issues. 

No identification period required.

@Michael Mun, There's actually three different qualifying criteria for your 45 day potential identification list.1.  

However, it's essential to ensure that the structure is set up correctly to comply with both Wyoming and California laws.EIN for Wyoming LLC:Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your Wyoming LLC is a common practice, even if it's not conducting business directly.

This period is known as the identification period, during which investors must specify in writing the properties they intend to acquire.Exchange Period:The exchange period, or the closing period, extends for a total of 180 days from the sale of the original property.

It is a real concern for many Realtors as they tend to be very protective of client identification and relationships.Get a hold of an inspection agreement, you have very little liability if you know what you're doing.

I would suggest getting the VIN now.

If you are going to do an exchange, I would like to stress the importance of the 45 day identification period. 

The QI also guides you through the rigorous guidelines necessary to have a successful 1031 including some valuation issues, use of proceeds, a 45 day identification period and 180 day exchange period and some titling guidelines.

I could call them if I had the VIN number and see who owns it or is the lien holder.