Bottom line, if you see flags during the first date, work with what you know about yourself (becoming involved emotionally too early) and cut your losses at that point.

Don't entertain 2nd or 3rd dates if it's clear it will get messy for yourself later. Also, all of the background you provided on the "whys" of why he has roommates sounds like HIS excuses. Did he have you at his house where you could meet these "roommates" or look around to see what his living situation is really like?

Online people lie - you know that.