We sold primarily to professional builders and remodeling contractors. 

Due to low inventory and trying to stir up more opportunities I recently put a few posts on Craigslist for my target market indicating I buy houses for cash.I have gotten several responses and asked them a few questions via email prior to a phone call.SO for those experienced in doing this, what is your approach to vetting people prior to making a trip to their property?

Hi, My name is Isaiah Coble I am a real estate professional.

You should also select a local and experienced Team full of professionals that will help on doing things that you need help on or do not know.The primary Team members are typically Attornies, real estate Agents, CPA's ( or accountants), Inspectors, General Contractors, and Handymen.  

I've got a client that would like to purchase some land and I have the owner's name and address but how can I go about possibly getting their phone number.  

It's called the Professional Investors Guild, and I think it has a nice group of folks who regularly attend.

Always open to advice from experienced professionals.  

The vast majority are owned by large corporations and won't talk to you even if you do manage to find a name and phone number.

If you plan on professional management, get a PM engaged in the process asap.  

The owners would have to be foreclosed out or otherwise transfer the property to you for you to own it.You could buy the delinquent note, (not the property) then start foreclosure, but if they get current, they remain the owner, and you would be the note holder receiving payments.There are multiple ways to structure the note purchase, but you should seek professional help to do that correctly.