We many clients that have different advantages and plans for investing based on their unique situations. 

I wouldn't recommend a balloon because there's no advantage to it in pricing or amortization. 

I understand that after I get a loan for each properties they should still cash flow, and if they're no I will sell them after 1 year of rent so I can take advantage of the long therm capital gains.

The lender is a direct underwriter for VA loans, is that an advantage?

And I’m getting better returns on real estate than I am in my IRA, but I don’t know if getting that 6k in a tax-advantaged account now is a better long-term investment.

Not all funds are created equal, so there is more than one answer here.In a general sense, funds offer the advantage of diversification—at the very least among properties.  

I understand that after I get a loan for each properties they should still cash flow, and if they're no I will sell them after 1 year of rent so I can take advantage of the long therm capital gains.

A quick closing, is an advantage in a hot market. 

Eventually you will get an opportunity and have to take advantage to start your own thing but I strongly encourage everyone looking to start, to keep learning, network, and find a way to learn while helping add value to another person in real estate (ideally real estate investing).CT is an attorney state so we don't have title companies.

In many cases, a HELOC is more advantageous.