It could still be in the process of foreclosure or a quick sale, just because it isn't immediately online doesn't mean it isn't happening. It took my mom's house almost 4 months to 'finally' foreclose, and the bank dd the whole "we'll work with you" promise too... and even when it did foreclose, it was difficult to know what was going on and it never appeared online either. The people painting the house could be a foreclosure company, or him trying to sell it fast.
In the meantime, I would be thankful to have gotten out of there. Sounds like a mess even if it was a hassle to find somewhere else.
Also have you read over the contract recently? Buyers have legal 'outs' as well as sellers, so if he is having issues upkeeping the house, then likely he has a legal right to terminate the contract. Also, he didn't actually evict you.
Really, if he is going into foreclosure and has little funds, if you do sue him and win... what is he going to pay you with? I would just walk away and focus your energy on your new home.