So patch 1.24 is installed within my GOG client and the game works fine. However, when I try to launch the game outside of the client, it won't load my last saved game because it's on 1.11. Where can i find this patch 1.24 so I can install it manually to my folder? And is it okay to go from 1.11 to 1.24? it's been 6 months since i played so I'm rusty on how to get this done properly w/o causing more issues. Thanks!

You must install the 1.22 patch first, then the 1.24 afterwards. Go to your account (web account, NOT Galaxy) and download the following:
Patch 1.22 (part 1 of 2) 1.10+ -> 1.22 1 MB
Patch 1.22 (part 2 of 2) 1.10+ -> 1.22 2.1 GB
Patch 1.24 1.22 -> 1.24 11 MB

Hmmm...still not working. I had all 3 files installed within my game folder. I launched 1.22.exe file but I get the following message;
"this patch does not support your version of the game please download a new installer"

I launch 1.24 patch and it says patch is already applied. However, launching the game says it's still on 1.11

Also, I can no longer launch the game from within the client now. I hit ctrl + alt + delete to access my task manager and the game is apparently running but it seems to be invisible.

To be honest I think someone should nuke galaxy:-)

Why do you have two versions of the game installed? Uninstall the non-Galaxy game via Control Panel, then re-download the 1.10 installers, the 1.22 DLCs and the above patches. If you must have two versions, reinstall them from scratch. But before you do that, remove all mods from your Galaxy install and verify/repair that installation.