I'm not trying to insult you, but the terms "36-Unit Multi-Family" and "First Time Investor" should not go together.

I'm imagining something more like add a wall, turn a bedroom into a kitchen-living on one side and a formal dining room into a bedroom on the other side, maybe add a half bath in each unit.

No east ,   @Bob Stevens thanks, I have a vacant 2 bedroom unit I'm about to list on the east side.

Thank you.Are you buying a SFR or multi unit?

Sure, they may be able to grow to a very moderate size,  add a few units, or trade up to a larger investment, but as for real scalability: NO.Why?  

House-hacking in a multi-family unit is one strategy I wish I had been aware of when I chose to purchase my first property.

Also, since you are new to finding tenants and renting, should you get someone who damages your unit, probably not a big deal since you haven't renovated it yet.  

Ask how many units they manage and how much experience they have.

The other is a triplex, all units are 2 bed 1 bath. 

You will learn the time and effort required of managing such a unit.