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.