"How do I know when there is likely to be a tactic??"-Many Many Students
The answer: When there is at least 2 critical squares in the position. Critical squares are pieces or pawns that have an equal amount of attackers as defenders. Any hanging piece (piece not pawn) is a critical square. See if you can find all the critical squares and the best way to tear down Black's defenses. I have given my thought process (even though I actually failed this problem). See if you can do better than a master! Good luck and as always allow yourself 5 minutes for the problem.