You could set it on the oil pan for a little while, but I'm a big fan of engine stands as they let you rotate the engine around. Very handy if you have to replace the bearings or pull the crank..

The flywheel is not hard to pull off. Six nuts and its off. If you have never had it off, soak the nuts with some sort of penetrating oil (I like PB Blaster), wait a day and give it a shot.
Once your motor work is done and you are getting ready to put the motor back in, then you can install the flywheel/clutch while you have the motor suspended.