Homebrew PCBs

ok, so I've read everything I can on smt soldering, got my Radio 
Shack desoldering system to convert to a hot air pencil, bought the 
Kester solder paste syringe....

A few basic questions.

People say to buy the "good quality" desoldering braid. What 
brands/model have people used with good success? I went 
to "soldersonline.com" and they have a plethora or braids to choose 
from. Three brands - Plato, Wick, Tech Spray. The've got fluxed, no-
flux, no-clean, anti-static and different colors and gauge. What to 
get for general use??

I already bought my Kester Solder paste syringe, but DigiKey doesn't 
sell the needles. What spec should I get in a needle? DigiKey does 
sell an .050" needle used for flux dispensers. Can I use this with 
the Kester syringe? I'm guessing that there are just a few standard 
syringe tip size and a bunch of needle sizes.

Also, why is the Kester Solder Paste so much ($42) while the other 
brands of "no clean" solder paste at "soldersonline.com" is $10. are 
these pastes acceptable for this use or is there some reason why 
they're no good?

About flux. Water soluable flux pen? or just a vat of flux that I 
brush on? Or a syringe? Pen and vats are cheap. Syringe is expensive.

Any suggestions on these items would be greatly appreciated. 
Specifics will be especially useful.

Thanks,
Ted