Get your prospective freelancer on the phone. There's so much you can learn from a phone call. And it starts before they say the first word… if they keep their word and call you at the appointed time that's a good sign. People who are punctual are generally always on time. Same goes for those who not.

Not only can you find out if this person is punctual or not but you can also get a feel for who they are by talking to them on the phone. Do they sound professional? Is there loud music blaring in the background? Are they a good listener?

Remember, a mark of a good listener is the ability to paraphrase you. Not in an annoying recorder-like-fashion but in a here's-what-I-hear-you-saying-main-points way.