I dont pay for old stuff but roadside junk is always worth snagging.
A quick trip on garbage day around the neighbourhood quite often pays off.
I also dont like the "wick" style for solder removal ...tried it a few times then got a cheap sucker...then I knew I had to get a better one and wont look back.
Good tips are a MUST to help get rid of old solder but I also sometimes use cheap plumbing flux to help it re-flow and maybe on occasion actually ADD solder to some joints first.
A set of old cheap dental picks especially with hooks is very very useful too.
Not a fan of the big old trigger type irons but they will do in a pinch.