trying to understand the value of linking

[VRI]

Establish quality links with local or regional sites related to your business is by far a better way to go then to chase after these link farms, paid links, and and any other type of questionable linking methods. For instance, being that most of us are real estate agents here...try to work out links with your chamber of commerce, visitor center, local builder, or any other quality links related to your field....

The single most overlooked aspect of most link portfolios IMO and you're killing two birds with one stone. Area businesses are related by serving the same region and they're most likely to send real people through the door as they are sending the bots to your site.

Building backlinks and relationships.

[CLTMichael]

This website has some really good link building videos. Well worth your time to watch if you are new to SEO.

http://www.linkbuildr.com/