If I cannot recoup the funds from the current owner can I do a full inspection of that unit during my pre closing inspection to bill the assistance program for any visible damages before 2/2025 when the guarantee expires? 

It's set up to roll over when the lease expires. 

Worst case, contact the seller AFTER the listing expires or a sale closes!

I have not been impressed to date with Suncoast PM and if nothing improves I'll be looking for a new PM when agreement term expires. 

.: In California the right of redemption expires the day before the tax sale takes place.

In CA, there are a lot of tenants that have leases that state a higher rent to go month to month when the lease expires. 

For starters, when does that tenant's lease expire?

The tax certificate will expire, so if you never start the foreclosure process what was the point of purchasing the lien?

When is their lease expiring?

The rate cap, capped at 5.45%, will expire in January of 2025.