Avatars can't look at inactive cameras. The simplest way to place a dummy to look at is to move the preview camera there and create a camera. Of course, creating a dummy, null, or any object at the camera's location would be an alternative.

If the camera is visible I have no problem getting a character to look at the inactive camera by just using the select target tool and  selecting that camera in the scene.

Yes. At first, I was going to say that didn't work. But I have to actually click on the camera itself. Not just the object in the scene list, which is way more convenient. But yes. That does work.