21 y/o with $200k cash, considering small rental properties as a long term wealth strategy. Is this smart or am I missing something?

I'm looking for some honest feedback before I make any big decisions. I’m 21, and currently sitting on about $200k cash saved. My goal is financial freedom and i’m considering using the money for small residential rentals instead of just throwing everything into index funds. My rough plan: • Buy 3–4 properties around $200–250k each • Put 20–25% down on each • Rent them out long term • Let tenants cover mortgage, taxes, and maintenance From what I understand, this would give me: • leverage • cash flow • appreciation • tax advantages My thinking is this could outperform just investing the $200k in the S&P, but with more work and risk. My questions: • Is this reasonable at my age or too early? • Would you scale slower at first? • Would you personally choose rentals over index funds in my position? • Any mistakes you wish you avoided when starting? I’m open to all criticism trying to learn before I deploy the money.