Since I only occasionally dabble, I could never justify a hot air station/gun though it would be really nice to have. I've seen pros grab and twist smt caps/resistors off but never found the courage (pardon the pun
to do that.
What works for me is a nice broad tip iron, plenty of flux, heat both ends at the same time for 2 secs and nudge, the smt part literally slides off. Won't work in tight spaces or groups, but if there's room to maneuver it's quick and neat.