I'm still a bit confused and I am probably building everything wrong so what do I need to know?

here is a short guide:
http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=57524636&f=74

weapon ratios for example: dagger: 90dex/10str simply mean put all dex for dmg. the higher stat is yours.

you should either try to get a dagger + axe set with dex charms and dex robes/ee armors (my favourite)

or go the sword route: swords + staves, str charms/robes and eventually ee armors + (why #1 is my favourite) dex charms/robes (cause of staves) + (later: axes)

just drop me a pm if you have more questions

If ur soloing buy ee armor and ee weapons, if u looking to start groups ee weapon and stat charms and stat armor. Get the stat ur weapon has highest ratio with