I notice during these times, it is very much difficult oftentimes impossible to search for and create backlinks most especially from blogs, forums, edu and gov sites, etc.
All blogs using Wordpress and other CMS platforms are automatically coded with a nofollow rel= on the comments css/js. It is now the standard coding of a Wordpress installation. Same goes with the forum sites. Edu blogs on the other hand, reacted on the bombardment of links from spammers. Now, most edu blogs comments are disabled, held under moderation, or generally have coded nofollow rel= on comment links.
The only way to go by is to pay for links... How sad
Though it's easier and cheaper to participate in the internet or blogging business/income today, competition is tougher and eventual SEO costs are way to high...