Place right needle through the wraps from the knit side and place them on the left needle. Then purl those wraps plus the first stitch together and continue on across.

when I unknit the wraps (pick them up and put them back on the left needle) the yarn still isn't on the side i need to start purling :/

Got it. I can't see your knit side well, but it looks like you should pick up those wraps before you turn and purl back across

I've picked up all the wraps on this end - i just want to turn my work and purl back the other way :/ thanks for your suggestions though. I don't have anyone I can ask

You didn't pick up the wraps on the knit side - they are still wrapped. That is why your yarn is in the wrong location. I'll see if I can find a clear video to help as it's difficult to explain without pictures.

This was the last wrap on the knit side. I picked them up on the left needle, knitted them together and know they're on the right needle - it's the circled stitch.

the next stitch on the left needle has no wrap.

Can you post the portion of the pattern you are trying to follow (please don't post the entire pattern as that is likely copyrighted). I'm starting to think there is a misunderstanding of the instructions. Alternately, is there a decent yarn store or a knitting group local to you? There is nothing like a little hands-on help.

https://blog.loveknitting.com/free-chunky-aran-sock-pattern/#comment-329612 

it's a free pattern on a blog

That's why I knit top down socks.

You can knit toe up without wraps. Wraps are just a PITA.

how would you do that though?

Check out ravelry.com. Begin with a pattern called "the simple sock goes toes up". You can also use an advanced search for socks....toe up....and then by technique.