Hi @hansendancen,
Take a look at this: Inbox Zero, Automation with Outlook VBA · Eric Chan
The ID you are looking for is Outlook.MailItem.EntryID property.
To open the e-mails from outside outlook you need to use the Outlook:// protocol, but if you are using Office 365 you need a workaround setup before you can use it: Shortcuts and the Missing Outlook:// Protocol
If you have any questions please let me know.