ONLINE DOWNLOAD

If you already started in the Online version you can move your return to the Desktop program even without paying for Online.  

First download the .tax file from the Online version,  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-file/00/25740

Then see, How to Switch to Desktop,

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had.  So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - New)

Then you just OPEN the .tax2019 file, go up to File-Open.  You don't import or transfer it.

Are you wanting to download the *.tax2019 data file from the return you started in Online TurboTax so you can open and finish it in the desktop software you purchased and installed on your computer?   We can tell you how to get that file so you won't have to start over.  

Part of your posting is confusing, however.  You said: 

"I signed in with my original login thinking it would take me to my "almost finished" taxes. NOPE! It asked that I start a new file."
 

Signed into "what" and "where?"   Are you saying when you sign into your Online account with your browser, you can't locate the 2019 online return you started, and it's acting like it wants you to start a new one?   If you can't find the online return you prepared when you log in online, you likely have multiple accounts, and we can tell you how to troubleshoot to look for the right account, and how to download the *.tax2019 data file.

Or did you think it would "automatically" download into your desktop software?   If so, that's a no.