What is the asking price of TelVue stock ? The reason for the question is the fact that it sometimes is difficult to answer because of the market rules even if your looking right at a level 2.
Market makers look at the orders and know exactly who is ordering what. They have the ability to sway the minds of people simply by placing a buy order just before a sell.
On thing they can not control. You have chosen a stock. Many have chosen it with you because the company is a winner. The strategy become much simpler once these decisions have been made. It becomes "Buy as cheaply as you can and Hold what you buy".
Where have I heard that before ? The only way to find the price of a stock is to go bottom fishing. Many of the very best fish are found on the bottom. So specifically how do you   bait your hook.
Let's say the asking price of a stock is $16.50 and the last purchase price was $11.00. There is nothing wrong with putting an order out there and leaving the bait lay there on the bottom for a big on to come along. "But I don't have enough money to order 100 shares at even $11.00". No problem. Order 30 or 40 at $11.00 or even $10.00 if that's what you can afford and that's where you think the fish are. . If it does not get a bite you can always slowly raise the bait off the bottom till you get a catch.  Level 2 will return to help when I am physically able to return but for now.

BUY SHARES AS CHEAPLY AS YOU CAN AND HOLD WHAT YOU BUY.

A BANQUET OF FINE FISH WILL BE SERVED VERY SOON.