He's not ready for a relationship and yet, he continues to give mixed signals?

Seems like he likes you he is just nervous about everything in his life and you don't want to be hurt, and im sure he doesn't want to hurt you also. He seems very sweet. I think you should keep giving him a chance, let him get comfortable with the fact that you two are friends and maybe he will get comfortable with more. Maybe the troubles from back home are really on his mind, he could be easily embarred and prideful. He could feel as if you turned him down when he was trying to explain "look i like you and want to do date you, but im stressed" just wait for his life to slow down and stuff, but be there for him.