I just put the solder paste on the boards, Position the chip and heat it with the tool.

My novice-amateur impression is the soldering paste is the way to go with the smaller form factor components (at least the smallest) and with stencils for higher volume.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Making-double-side-boards-in-reflow-oven/

DIY Stencils:

https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Solder-Paste-Stencil-wthe-Silhouette-Portrait/

I've salvaged a few toaster ovens to build a reflow oven and have a hot plate (flat griddle like one rectangular) to pre-heat with also as I've found some stations use for reballing and I might do that with an IR system build if I get around to... though don't really need currently. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZyP5G4Wfm0  (search Google and Instructables since there are a bunch of examples and ways to make these.  They can be made from free Craigslist, Offerup, Letgo finds or Goodwill Stores cheap like never over $8 I've found)

Even more interesting is the IR systems and I thought this DIY design is impressive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RroHK6_t-o8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOoBdcpfc5U  (updated mods)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCivbLT7sRO-de3CCj9y7J6A/videos  (Nik Telio's videos)

You can even make your own solder paste (I'd probably use a glass blender... though I have one from when I was a metallurgist):

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-DIY-Solder-Paste-for-tinning-PCBs-at-h/


Dispensers (syringe seems easier for personal use):

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-set-up-repair-adjust-and-use-a-solder-paste/

Then of course a stereo-microscope is handy I'm finding with the hand jobs.